Central PA Trails Day will include free hikes, nature walks and demonstrations, and the event will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the grounds of the Penn State environmental center.

"Our ultimate goal is to help support a community of hikers and active people," says Johanna Jackson, a co-organizer and public workshops coordinator with Shaver's Creek. "We want to bring together the people who love camping with those who love forests, yoga, fishing and family time."

Shaver's Creek is partnering with two State College nonprofit organizations, Allegheny Outdoor Institute and Clearwater Conservancy to hold Central PA Trails Day. It's the first time the environmental center has collaborated in organizing an event.

"All three of our organizations work with people outside, and we're curious to see what happens when we combine forces," Jackson says.

Chris Hennessey of Clearwater Conservancy, says people appreciate opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, and the event hopes to build on that. "It's a gift they'll have forever," he says.

Allegheny Outdoor Institute aims to provide outdoor instruction and programs, and the trails day event is a way to showcase the recreational opportunities that are available, according to Jason Erdman, a co-organizer of the event who works with the institute.

This story was produced by the staff at the Centre County Gazette. It was re-published with permission. The Centre County Gazette is a weekly publication, available at many locations around Centre County every Thursday morning.
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